More than one in five households here (22%) are in fuel poverty so this Fuel Poverty Awareness Day (Friday 15 February) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting energy efficiency tips and services that many people will find useful in tackling the issue. A household is in fuel poverty if it needs to spend more than 10% of its income on energy costs to adequately heat the home. Brendan Bonner, Assistant Director for Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement at the PHA , said: “Nearly 160,000 homes here are in fuel poverty, but there are steps that people can take if they find that they have

Help is at hand for anyone who attempted to quit smoking this New Year, but fell back into the habit, according to the Public Health Agency (PHA). The agency’s comprehensive network of free Stop Smoking Support Services are offering tailored advice and support to help you quit for good. “Giving up smoking is one of the best things you can do for yourself, with benefits for your health, your appearance, your finances and your relationships,” said Siobhan O’ Brien, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Senior Officer with the PHA. “However it isn’t easy and different approaches will work for

Northern Ireland Helplines Awareness Day [6 February] highlights the extensive range of helplines providing support, advice and information to the public across the region. The awareness day event, hosted by BBC’s Linda McAuley, in Belfast City Hall, was an opportunity not only to showcase the work of the Helplines Network NI and 29 helpline members, but also raise public awareness about their crucial work. Clodagh Crowe, Chair of the Helplines Network NI and Project Co-Ordinator with Rural Support said: “Last year in Northern Ireland, our helplines responded to over half a million calls

Stroke is a common cause of death and disability in Northern Ireland. There are approximately 2,800 new strokes here every year and in 2017, 988 people died following a stroke. While the majority of strokes occur in people over the age of 65, it can strike at any age, with 25% occurring in people under the age of 65. Stroke is the third most common cause of death and one of the main causes of adult onset disability in Northern Ireland, but early diagnosis improves the chances of a good recovery. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is re-running the FAST public information campaign to raise

Being aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer and seeking medical advice without delay if you spot them are key to improving the chances of successful treatment. That’s the message from the Public Health Agency (PHA) this World Cancer Day [4 February]. At least one in three of us will get cancer in our lifetime. Statistics show that the number of cancer cases in Northern Ireland (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) increased from 7,929 in 2007 to 9,446 in 2016. Dr Louise Herron, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the PHA, said: “Cancer can be a difficult topic to talk about but by

Sunscreen is one holiday essential that often gets left behind when people pack for a winter holiday, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are reminding people not to forget their sunscreen when packing for their winter get-away. Whether you are heading to the ski slopes or jetting off for some winter sun, it is important to stay safe in the sun during your break. The Solar UV Index shows how much ultraviolet (UV) radiation is reaching us from the sun and how careful we need to be. UV levels vary with the seasons and time of day, but when the UV index is three or

Under-65s with health condition in particular being urged to get vaccinated The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging all remaining eligible people whose health could be seriously affected by flu to get the free flu vaccine. GPs across Northern Ireland are offering flu vaccination to everyone over 65, people under 65 with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, and children aged 2-4 years of age. Dr Jillian Johnston, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said: “Flu is now circulating in Northern Ireland as expected and, while the levels remain low, it is likely to increase over the

Falling over can happen to anyone, but for older people the risk is particularly high and the consequences potentially severe, including distress, pain, injury, loss of confidence, loss of independence and mortality. Last year more than 26,000* older people attended emergency departments in Northern Ireland after a fall and falls are listed as the number one reason for trauma in older people at emergency departments. With this in mind, the Public Health Agency (PHA), in partnership with councils across Northern Ireland, has produced a falls prevention video to raise awareness of the measures